COUGARS have parted company with Fran Welsh as coach Craig Lingard admitted the prop's move in the close season from Sunday's opponents Newcastle Thunder had not worked out.

Lingard said: “He started the season in the starting 17 but unfortunately from a coaching point of view he didn’t really give me what I was hoping he would.

“He’s been in the reserves the last few weeks and he’s been quite open and honest in saying that he wants to play first-team rugby at this stage of his career which I can understand.

“At this moment in time, he wasn’t knocking on the door of the 17 and wants to find first-team opportunities elsewhere.

“He leaves with our best wishes and I hope it works out for him.”

Meanwhile, Cougars Reserves are back in action tomorrow night when they host Halifax Reserves (7.30pm).